Global Traveler: Established in 1930,Westin has a history of industry firsts. For example: first 24-hour room service in 1969; first guest voicemail system in 1991; and the Heavenly Bed, a luxurious bed unlike any other in the industry, introduced in 1999. The innovations and quality Westin has brought to the hotel industry over the past 70 years is impressive. Are there any new programs on the horizon of particular interest to our readers?
Sue A. Brush: Yes. Now that we have redefined the hotel sleep experience, we’re focusing on wellness and specifically, the WestinWORKOUT experience. This includes renovated fitness centers with state-of-the-art equipment and a modern luxury design theme as well as in-room equipment and instructional videos courtesy of Reebok, our wellness partner. Some Westin hotels are even offering running clubs to help their guests get in that all-important morning workout.

GT: The business traveler’s schedule rarely allows time for rest and relaxation. However, Westin’s services for business travelers cater to the toughest of schedules. What services make Westin’s offerings unique, and what programs would you recommend to a business traveler with some time to convert to leisure?
SB: Leisure time is a precious thing that has a broad range of implications for Westin guests. To some, leisure means relaxing in their room with a movie and dinner while catching up on email. For others it’s a cocktail with a friend in the lounge or perhaps dinner in an upscale restaurant. And still others want to use that free time to work out. Our challenge is being able to respond to the unique needs of every Westin guest.

GT: Westin was voted Best Domestic Hotel Chain by Global Traveler readers. What do you believe makes Westin the best in your field, and how does Westin fit into the Starwood team?
SB: We are thrilled that GT readers have recognized Westin with this award. They understand that Westin has long enjoyed a great reputation as a quality hotel operator with distinctive hotels, consistent service and innovations that surprise and delight its guests. Westin is one of six hotel brands under the Starwood umbrella and is positioned as the leader in the upper-upscale sector.

GT: Westin Hotels & Resorts is made up of 120 properties in 24 countries, and it’s growing. Are the majority of travelers to foreign destinations U.S. travelers? Are these travelers on business trips or family vacations?
SB: As travelers become even more sophisticated, we find they are getting smarter about combining business with pleasure while on the road. A business trip during the week turns into a leisure trip when the rest of the family arrives for the weekend. All of our hotels cater to U.S. travelers, but many of our hotels in Europe and Asia appeal to travelers from within their regions. This varies with the hotel and even the season of the year.